Great Redwood Trail Proposed from San Francisco Bay to Eureka

Sierra Club reports: “The trail would connect with state parks and local trails, creating a way for outdoor enthusiasts to traverse some of our most scenic landscapes. There could also be rail service along with a trail north of Eureka.”

Great Redwood Trail Proposed from San Francisco Bay to Eureka

State Sen. Mike McGuire is carrying a bill to create a 300-mile-long Great Redwood Trail using much of the defunct Northwestern Pacific Railroad right-of-way north of Willits through California’s North Coast and ancient redwoods.

The bill (SB 1029) has been given bipartisan “do pass” recommendations in the state Legislature in its initial policy committees hearings. If enacted, the planning and transition process could begin in 2019.

SB 1029 would give the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit agency responsibility for freight operations on its existing tracks and dissolve the North Coast Railroad Authority, which now provides freight rail service. North of Willits, the existing rail right-of-way would be transferred temporarily to Caltrans, while a new agency is established with the goal of creating a world-class trail to connect the San Francisco Bay and Eureka.

The trail would connect with state parks and local trails, creating a way for outdoor enthusiasts to traverse some of our most scenic landscapes. There could also be rail service along with a trail north of Eureka.

Financing is yet to be determined. The Legislature has until August to work out the details of the bill.